Rodman Public Library decides on levy renewal

In May, library district voters will decide whether to once again approve the library's 1.5-mill levy, except this time it will be for an eight-year term.

Library Director Pat Stone told board members she checked with both Alliance and Marlington school districts and the city of Alliance to see if they have any levy plans, which they didn't. Absent from Thursday's meeting were Elayne Dunlap, Sandra Giese and Dr. Patricia Matthews.

Trustees agreed with Stone's recommendation that they not seek an increase in millage, despite the Ohio Department of Taxation's Public Library Fund (PLF) predicting a 5.9-percent drop in the six-month distribution for June compared to last year.

Rodman's levy is a five-year, 1.5-mill issue, so members are debating whether to change the term possibly to an eight-year or continuing term. Officials project that this year Rodman will receive $781,760. Levy receipts are up $5,903 from last year.

Earlier this year, the Ohio General Assembly passed additional tax reform measures in House Bill 483, which estimates show could reduce the PLF by an additional $7.68 million in FY15 with the biggest impact felt in spring.

The next step requires Rodman Public Library to contact its taxing authority, Alliance City Schools, to get on the agenda and the Stark, Mahoning and Columbiana county auditors to determine how much revenue will be generated for the necessary tax levy resolutions.